ALL AUSTRALIAN defender Tom Stewart is ready to re-join training after he injured his collarbone against the Demons in Round 4.

Stewart was back kicking footballs before the Cats’ reserves scratch match against the Magpies and looks in good shape for a quick return.

“Tom Stewart is two weeks post collarbone operation and he’s been working hard doing all his strength work,” Cats GM of Football Simon Lloyd said.

“He’s now starting to run and will be involved heavily in football training this week we’ll see Tom sooner rather than later.

The Cats lost both Mitch Duncan and Quinton Narkle during Thursday night’s win over the Lions, with Duncan looking closer to a football return.

“Mitch suffered a mild hamstring strain in the first quarter. He was doing some explosive running on the sidelines and could slightly feel it so he’s still a chance to play this week,” Lloyd says.

“He’s rehabbing around the clock at the moment, so he’ll go close."

“Quinton’s hamstring strain was more significant. That was also in the first quarter."

“He’ll tick all the boxes in the coming weeks and he’s an important player for us, so he’ll do all the work and come back fit and strong.”

Ruckman Rhys Stanley is also making quick work of his rehab, making rapid progress in his return from an MCL injury.

“Rhys is tracking really well, he’s full running, change of direction and doing contest work into full training,” Lloyd says.

“He’s not too far away.”

Pressure forward Tom Atkins continues to work his way back from a rib injury.

“Tom Atkins is showing signs that he’s turning the corner but at the moment he’s medium term,” Lloyd says.

“He had a really good bike session today without any pain and he’s tracking well.”

Off-season recruit Josh Jenkins’ season has been derailed by a back injury, but the key forward is now heading in the right direction.

“Josh is doing more by the week. He’s now running pain free and he’s just building on what he’s doing, week in week out,” Lloyd says.

“We’re pleased with Josh’s progress and it’ll be a steady climb.”

Oscar Brownless, who dislocated his shoulder during match practice against Carlton, is getting closer to full training participation.

“Oscar is tracking really well at the moment. He’s doing a mountain of running so he’s doing a lot of running and he’s doing a lot of strength work as well on that shoulder,” Lloyd says.

“Oscar is a highly professional footballer so hopefully in the coming weeks we’ll start to see him in full training.”